University of Alberta China Opportunity Fund
Phase I Call for Proposals
Background
Through the support of Alberta Enterprise and Advanced Education and the University
of Alberta Vice-President (Research), the China Opportunity Fund was established as a
vehicle to support linkages between UAlberta scientists and leading researchers in the
People’s Republic of China. In 2005, UAlberta developed the Joint Research
Laboratories (JRL) program with China’s Ministry of Science & Technology (MOST),
which funds State Key Laboratories (SKLs) and National Laboratories (NLs). In this
program, research collaboration between UAlberta researchers and SKLs/NLs has been
funded jointly through the China Opportunity Fund and MOST.
Priority Areas of Research
Areas of research that are given priority are energy, environment, nanotechnology, and
life sciences.
Types of China Opportunity Fund Support
There are 3 types of collaboration that are supported by the China Opportunity Fund:
 Phase I is to support UAlberta researchers interested in initiating contact with
SKLs or NLs in China and investigating opportunities for collaboration. One-time
funding of up to $5,000 per project may be provided.
 Phase II is designed to nurture an existing research partnership where contact
has already been established with SKLs or NLs in China. A maximum of $25,000
annually per project is available, for up to two years.
 Phase III will be available only for projects that have previously received Phase II
funding and demonstrate significant potential for technology commercialization.
A maximum of $25,000 annually per project is available, for up to two years.
Funding Guidelines
Phase I
 The Fund is intended to support establishment of initial contacts and conducting
of feasibility studies for potential joint research projects with SKLs and/or NLs.
Funding of up to $5,000 (maximum) is available.
 Funds are primarily to support UAlberta professors’ travel to China to meet with
potential partners and identify collaborative projects.
 Eligible expenditures are subject to university regulations and procedures.
 Requests for equipment and or major materials are not eligible.
 Funds will not be used as an income supplement for faculty members going on
leave (study leave, assisted leave, or leave without pay). Funds are intended for
use as proposed by the applicant during the term of the award; any unspent
funds will be returned to the Fund upon closure of the grant account as noted in
the award notice.
 Repeated requests from one or more researchers for projects that are
substantially the same will be given low priority.
 Appeals are dealt with in the form of re-submissions and will be adjudicated in
the next round.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be full-time, tenure-track faculty members at the University of Alberta.
Partners in China
Proposed research collaborators must be from one of the State Key Labs and/or
National Labs under the Ministry of Science and Technology, in the priority areas of
research. It is expected the partners in China will apply for funding to MOST or other
Chinese funding agencies to support research projects that may be developed.
Application Procedure
Phase I
A scanned copy of completed, signed application form (maximum 5 pages) must be
submitted to U of A International by the deadline. Details required include:
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proposed SKL/NL(s) to visit
biosketch(es) of potential collaborator(s) in China
existing collaboration with Chinese institutions (if applicable)
proposed area of research collaboration
rationale for proposed collaboration
expected outcomes for research partnership and UAlberta
activities during trip
length of stay
budget
Funded researchers will be expected to make the trip(s) to China within 6 months of
receiving the funds and submit a report to UAlberta International, with a copy to
the Office of the Vice-President (Research), within 1 month of returning to
Edmonton.
Deadline
The deadline for submission of China Opportunity Fund Phase I project proposals is
noon on Friday, May 31, 2013.
China Opportunity Fund – Phase I Call for Proposals May 2013
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Submission instructions
Submit a scanned copy of the signed application form to:
Danielle Scott
Assistant Director (International Relations)
International Relations and Recruitment, U of A International
danielle.scott@ualberta.ca
Selection Process
Letters of intent will be approved on the basis of scholarly quality which will promote
sustainable research collaboration between China and Alberta, enhance the visibility of
the University of Alberta in an international context, and contribute to the growth of the
University of Alberta as a major research institution.
Applications will be assessed by a peer review committee chaired by the Vice-President
(Research).
Notification
Notices of decisions will be sent to applicants upon completion of the review process,
normally within six weeks of the competition deadline.
Contact
If you require assistance or additional information, please contact Danielle at 780-4929955 or danielle.scott@ualberta.ca.
China Opportunity Fund – Phase I Call for Proposals May 2013
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